Aerial View of Beirut-RHIA Airport

Beirut-RHIA Airport BEY

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Beirut-RHIA Airport (BEY) Guide

Discover Beirut Airport, Lebanon's vibrant gateway, renowned for its unique mosaic art installations alongside modern amenities. Perfect for both business and leisure travelers, BEY offers a seamless experience with its array of duty-free shops and culinary delights. This guide simplifies your journey from doorstep to departure, covering everything from flight tracking to dining and shopping.

Ready to explore BEY Airport? Our detailed guide ensures a hassle-free navigation through its facilities. For insights into other global airports, check out the Comprehensive Airport Guide.

Helpful Tips & Resources

Is Beirut Airport (BEY) airport a bit unfamiliar to you? Look no further than iFly.com for insightful tips and advice. Read on!

The airport has one main terminal building with two levels. The Departures area is located on the upper level, while Arrivals are on the lower level. The terminal has a total of 23 gates, with the majority of them located on the upper level.

There are no separate terminals at BEY, but the airport has designated certain areas for specific airlines. Middle East Airlines, the national carrier of Lebanon, operates from Terminal 1, while other airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines operate from Terminal 3. Terminal 2 is currently under construction and is expected to open in the near future.

Passengers can easily navigate the airport terminals as the signage is clear and in both Arabic and English. There are also information desks located throughout the terminal building to assist passengers with any queries they may have.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

At Beirut-RHIA Airport, there is only one terminal building that serves both domestic and international flights. Passengers can easily navigate the terminal on foot as it is compact and well signposted. The walking time between gates is minimal, and there are no shuttle buses or trains required to move between gates. However, for passengers with reduced mobility or special needs, the airport provides complimentary wheelchair assistance.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At the airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at designated curbside areas outside the terminal buildings. However, there are restrictions on curbside parking, and vehicles cannot be left unattended. Drivers are advised to use the cell-phone waiting areas if they need to wait for their passengers to arrive.

Cell-phone waiting areas are located near the airport terminals, and drivers can park their vehicles for free for up to 30 minutes while they wait for their passengers to arrive. Once the passengers have collected their luggage and are ready to be picked up, the driver can then proceed to the designated curbside area for pick-up.

Parking Facilities & Options

Beirut-RHIA Airport offers several parking options for travelers. There are both covered and uncovered parking lots available, as well as a multi-level parking garage. The parking facilities are conveniently located near the terminal, making it easy for travelers to access their vehicles upon arrival.

For those who are picking up passengers, there is a cell phone waiting area located near the airport. This area allows drivers to wait for their passengers to arrive before entering the parking facilities. This can be a convenient option for those who want to avoid parking fees or for those who are unsure of their arrival time.

Handicapped parking is available in all of the parking facilities at Beirut Airport. These spaces are located close to the terminal and are clearly marked for easy identification.

For travelers who are looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is available. These parking facilities are located near the airport and offer shuttle service to and from the terminal. This can be a great option for those who are traveling on a budget or for those who are planning a longer trip.

Get details about BEY parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

BEY Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options to help you get to your destination. If you prefer to drive yourself, there are several car rental companies available at the airport, including Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt. You can find their rental counters in the arrivals hall.

If you would rather take a taxi, you can find them outside the arrivals hall. The fare from the airport to the city center is around 20 USD, and the ride takes about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. Make sure to agree on the fare before getting into the taxi.

Shared ride services are also available at the airport, including Uber and Careem. You can find their pickup areas outside the arrivals hall. Note that some areas may be restricted for pickup, so be sure to check your app for instructions.

If you prefer a more cost-effective option, you can take the airport shuttle. The shuttle service is available 24/7 and offers door-to-door service. You can find the shuttle pickup area outside the arrivals hall. The fare is around 10 USD per person.

Finally, public transportation is available at the airport. You can take the airport bus, which departs every 30 minutes and takes you to the city center for around 3 USD. You can find the bus stop outside the arrivals hall.

Airport Hotels

Traveling can be tiring, but finding the right accommodation can make all the difference. Whether you're seeking a luxurious resort-style stay or a comfortable family-friendly hotel, we've compiled a list of some of the best hotel options near the airport. These establishments not only offer top-notch amenities but also boast prime locations, providing easy access to local attractions and the airport. From the charming La Siesta Hotel & Beach Resort to the prestigious 5-star Hilton Beirut Habtoor Grand Hotel, each hotel offers unique features and facilities, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all types of travelers. Explore these excellent accommodations by visiting our Beirut Hariri Airport Hotels page.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

Beirut Airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers to enjoy. For those looking for a quick bite, there are several fast food options available, including McDonald's and Burger King. For a sit-down meal, we recommend Le Pain Quotidien, located in the Departures area, which offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, and pastries made with fresh, organic ingredients. Another great option is Babel Bay, a seafood restaurant located in the Arrivals area that serves up delicious Lebanese cuisine.

When it comes to shopping, BEY has plenty of options to keep you occupied before your flight. For duty-free shopping, head to the Duty Free area where you can find a wide range of products, including perfumes, cosmetics, and alcohol. For souvenirs, we recommend checking out the Lebanese Heritage Museum Gift Shop, located in the Departures area, which offers a selection of unique gifts and souvenirs that showcase Lebanese culture and history.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at BEY Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, here's where to find everything you need.

Passenger Services

The airport is equipped with a range of passenger services to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free travel experience for all passengers.

For those who need to stay connected, free wifi is available throughout the airport.

If you have lost an item during your travels, the lost and found office is located in the arrivals area of the terminal.

Traveling with children? There are designated children's play areas located throughout the airport to keep little ones entertained.

Special-needs services are available upon request, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms.

For banking needs, there are ATMs located throughout the airport and a currency exchange service located in the departures area.

In case of a medical emergency, there is a medical center located in the arrivals area of the terminal.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it is important to stay updated on the status of your flight departure. Fortunately, there are several ways to get flight status information at Beirut-RHIA Airport.

One of the most convenient ways to check your flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays can be found throughout the airport and provide real-time information on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Simply locate your flight number on the display to get the latest updates.

In addition to the FIDS, many airlines offer mobile phone apps that can alert passengers about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes. These apps can be downloaded for free and provide push notifications, text messages, or emails to keep you informed about any changes to your flight status.

Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at Beirut Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

It is recommended to arrive at Beirut-RHIA Airport at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure time. This will give you enough time to check-in, go through security, and reach your gate without feeling rushed. The busiest times at the airport are during the peak travel season from June to September and during major holidays, so it is best to avoid those times if possible.

Getting to the Airport

There are several ways to get to Beirut Airport. The most convenient way is to take a taxi or use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Careem. You can also take a bus or a shuttle service that runs from various locations in the city to the airport. If you are driving, there is ample parking available at the airport.

Getting Oriented

BEY has an interactive map available on iFly.com that can help you get oriented at the airport. The map shows the location of all the terminals, gates, restaurants, shops, and other amenities. You can use the map to plan your route through the airport and locate the services you need.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at BEY Airport, make sure to arrive early and allow enough time for check-in and security. You can also sign up for flight alerts to stay informed about any changes or delays to your flight. Avoid carrying prohibited items in your carry-on luggage and be prepared to remove your shoes, belt, and any metal objects before going through security.

Airport Facts & Stats

BEY is the main international airport in Lebanon, located in the capital city of Beirut. The airport has one main terminal building that handles both domestic and international flights.

The top airlines with the most daily flights from BEY Airport are Middle East Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines.

On average, the airport handles around 10,000 passengers daily and has an average of 150 daily flights.

The airport serves over 50 destinations worldwide, with the top 5 destinations being Dubai, Istanbul, Paris, Doha, and Riyadh.

Several airlines use Beirut-RHIA Airport as a hub, including Middle East Airlines and Wings of Lebanon.

Airport History

Beirut Airport, also known as Rafic Hariri International Airport, is the main international airport in Lebanon. Its history dates back to the 1940s when the French Mandate authorities established the first landing strip in the area. Since then, the airport has undergone several transformations and upgrades to become the modern airport it is today.

Here are some significant events in the history of BEY:

  • 1940s: The French Mandate authorities establish the first landing strip in the area.
  • 1960s: The airport undergoes significant upgrades, including the extension of the runway and the construction of a new terminal building.
  • 1980s: The airport is heavily damaged during the Lebanese Civil War, leading to its closure for several years.
  • 1990s: The airport reopens after extensive renovations and upgrades, including the construction of a new terminal building and the installation of modern facilities.
  • 2005: The airport is renamed Rafic Hariri International Airport in honor of the former Lebanese Prime Minister who was assassinated in 2005.
  • 2019: The airport undergoes further renovations and upgrades, including the expansion of the terminal building and the installation of new technology and facilities.

Today, BEY Airport serves as a vital hub for air travel in the Middle East, connecting Lebanon to destinations around the world.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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